Shaggy and Jesus

Trip Start Jul 27, 2005

Trip End Sep 12, 2005

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Flag of Angola Luanda, Angola
Tuesday, August 16, 2005

I actually learned some things this week during work! Sergio, a 25 year old Angolan native who resembles Shaggy (the reggae rapper not Scooby Do), taught me about the culture. Being that most people here are Christians, I asked him about Christmas and Santa Clause. He said, "We celebrate Christmas under an artificial tree but this Santa Clause guy. I don't know who you mean." I proceeded to explain it to him. He had heard of Santa, but they don't believe a fat man comes down the chimney to deliver presents. So that bullshit we were fed as children that Santa Clause flies around the world in one night, delivering presents to all the kids of the world is completely false!! He doesn't exist!!

Here in Angola, I am really safe and there is no need to worry. Every day I am blessed, literally. I work with Jesus! He is an Angolan about 30 something years in age, and he blesses me regularly. He asks, "Kyle, have you been blessed today. Well, God blesses you my son." He then makes a sign of the cross with his hands and I bow my head in acceptance. The three of us, along with another 25 year old Angolan named Armando, really have a good time... Joking around all day to pass the time.

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